Oh Deer! Top 5 States for Deer Collisions
So begins the season of deer.
Recently, State Farm projected a driver will have a 1 in 174 chance of striking a deer and those collisions will cost an average of $3,414. They created a list of the top 30 states for deer collisions, projected collisions totals per state and the chance of collisions. See the list here.
Last year, 1,231,710 deer-auto accidents were reported.
Top 5 states for deer collisions in 2013:
1. West Virginia – Projected collisions: 28,968 / Chance of collision: 1 in 41
2. Montana – Projected collisions: 11,549 / Chance of collision: 1 in 65
3. Iowa – Projected collisions: 29,843 / Chance of collision: 1 in 73
4. South Dakota – Projected collisions: 8,083 / Chance of collision: 1 in 75
5. Pennsylvania – Projected collisions: 114,933 / Chance of collision: 1 in 77
Michigan falls number 10 on this year’s list with projected collisions at 77,103 and a chance of collision of 1 in 91.
When do deer collisions occur?
November is the month mostly likely to hit a deer. It is prime hunting and mating season, creating an increase in deer movement. According to State Farm, about 18% off all deer accident will happen in November.
Deer accidents are 3 times more likely to occur on a day in November than any day between February and August. October is the second most likely month and December is the third.
Tips on how to avoid deer collisions:
– Deer generally travel groups, so if you see one there are probably more nearby.
– Pay attention to deer crossings signs. They are put in active locations.
– Remember that deer are most active during early morning and evening hours.
– Use high-beam lights as much as possible.
– Do not swerve if you are about to hit a deer. Losing control of your vehicle and going off the road or into the path of an oncoming vehicle could be far worse than hitting a deer.
– Car-mounted deer whistles are not always effective.
For more information visit:
Worst States for Deer Collisions http://www.carinsurance.com/Articles/odds-of-hitting-deer.aspx?WT.qs_osrc=
Deer-Vehicle Collisions: State Farm http://www.claimsjournal.com/news/national/2013/10/01/237673.htm